Don't Call It a Comeback

Writing is hard, but I know it's an important skill for me to continue developing if I'm going to grow into the professional I want to be. For the last couple of years I've gotten up before the crack of dawn to fulfill my reading and writing requirements for the master's program I was enrolled in. The writing style I engaged in over the last two years was good for me, but it wasn't really my style. I love sharing new ideas, engaging in professional discourse, and having great discussions with like-minded individuals, but mediums like Twitter, where I can be open and honest about what's actually going on in between my ears suits me much better. I'm infamous amongst my friends, family, and colleagues for being long-winded, though, so Twitter has always left something to be desired. It's just too difficult to share complex thoughts with enough context to really get an actionable message out. All that said, I've realized that actively blogging and vlogging is the only reasonable solution.

Now that my educational responsibilities have been fulfilled I'd like to commit to writing more often to help share information, new ideas, and to spark discussions with the coaches and athletes I work with in my own community. I'm going to try my best to keep it short to keep you all actively engaged because I know what it's like to open an article, observe how long it is, and then close the article immediately knowing that you just don't have time to truly absorb the content it contains.

So here's the plan: honest and informative writing on a weekly basis with a conscious effort to blend what I know to be true of the scientific literature and practical applications pertaining to:

• the development of speed, strength, power, and athleticism 
• the acquisition of gross and fine motor skills
• the tenants of sport psychology and how we can use them to better prepare athletes at all levels
• the importance and habitual application of proper nutrition and recovery strategies 
• the business of fitness, strength and conditioning, and sports performance

My plan is not to just share information, but strategies and guidance that all readers, whether they be parents, business owners, coaches, or athletes, can put into practice. Adjusting my writing style from one that fits the scientific literacy of my professors to one that the layman can absorb and put to good use will take some time, but I'm hoping you follow along and find some value as I work to develop this important skill. I see writing as an opportunity for me to help those in my community, grow as a professional, and potentially provide more for my family as quality content in online forums becomes more sought after.

So I guess this is the official re-birth of my blog inspired by all the things I couldn't fit in a Tweet. I can already picture all of my employees rolling their eyes. But worry not, I won't get any of us in trouble, at least not WRITE away. LOL. I'm evolving already. Follow along and I hope you learn something!

As always,

Thank you for reading!

Caleb Heilman, M.S., CSCS, USA-W Owner, Heilman's Performance Director of Human Performance, Minot State University 701-340-3547 | calebjheilman02@gmail.com www.heilmansperformance.com 1928 2nd Avenue SW Minot, ND 58701